Temporary Custodian – Veterinary Hospital
Position: Temporary Custodian
Department: Facilities / Hospital Operations
Employment Type: Temporary
Reports To: Practice Manager
Position Summary
The Temporary Custodian is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe, and professional environment throughout the veterinary hospital. This position supports infection-control practices and the daily operations of the hospital by cleaning and disinfecting clinical and non-clinical areas, properly handling waste, and maintaining custodial supplies.
Because this position works in an active veterinary environment, the custodian must be comfortable working around dogs, cats, animal-related odors, bodily fluids, and routine hospital activity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Clean and disinfect floors, exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, hallways, offices, restrooms, break areas, and other assigned spaces.
- Sweep, mop, vacuum, and spot-clean floors as needed.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, including door handles, counters, sinks, fixtures, and shared work areas.
- Clean restrooms and replenish soap, paper products, and other supplies.
- Empty trash receptacles and replace liners throughout the hospital.
- Handle and dispose of waste according to hospital procedures and safety requirements.
- Clean animal-related messes, including urine, feces, vomit, hair, and other bodily fluids, using appropriate disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Assist with cleaning kennels, cages, runs, and animal housing areas when assigned.
- Perform laundry duties, including washing, drying, folding, and stocking towels, blankets, and other hospital linens.
- Maintain custodial equipment and keep cleaning supplies organized and properly stored.
- Monitor cleaning and paper-product inventory and notify management when supplies need to be reordered.
- Follow hospital infection-control, sanitation, chemical-handling, and workplace safety procedures.
- Use cleaning chemicals according to manufacturer instructions and hospital protocols.
- Place appropriate warning signs around wet floors or other temporary hazards.
- Promptly report spills, safety hazards, maintenance concerns, damaged equipment, or unusual conditions to management.
- Maintain cleanliness without interfering with patient care, client service, or hospital operations.
- Complete assigned cleaning checklists and other duties as needed.
Qualifications
- Previous custodial, janitorial, housekeeping, or commercial cleaning experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently.
- Strong attention to cleanliness and detail.
- Comfortable working around dogs, cats, animal hair, odors, noise, and bodily fluids.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality while working around clients, patients, and hospital staff.
- Knowledge of safe cleaning and chemical-handling practices preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive cleaning tasks.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to safely operate standard custodial equipment.
- Ability to work in areas that may be wet, noisy, or exposed to animal-related odors and cleaning products.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment
This position works throughout an active veterinary hospital where animals are routinely examined, treated, hospitalized, and housed. The employee may encounter barking animals, animal hair and dander, cleaning chemicals, unpleasant odors, bodily fluids, and other conditions typical of a veterinary medical environment. Appropriate PPE and hospital safety procedures must be followed at all times.
Temporary Position
This is a temporary position intended to support the hospital's custodial and sanitation needs for a limited period. Work hours and duration of employment will be based on hospital operational needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement: The hospital is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a professional, respectful, and safe workplace.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $10.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Custodial Experience: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
